Botox vs. microcurrent - Two wildly opposing things

Let's discuss.

We all know that Botox paralyzes the muscle to prevent or release wrinkles.

On the other hand, microcurrent stimulates the muscle with electrical current.

These two anti-wrinkle methods couldn’t be more diametrically opposed. One freezes the muscle and one stimulates it. Can they work together? Are they arch enemies? Are they frenemies? Many micro current specialists claim microcurrent can replace Botox? Can it? Should it?

Before we get to these really tough and hard hitting questions (😉), let me reveal my routine and make some personal disclosures. I do both. Regularly. I visit my beloved dermatologist Dr. Doris Day in New York City for injectable touch ups and she magically waves her skilled hands over my face and neck and Botox and filler is at work.

That said, I am also am totally obsessed with microcurrent since I first tried it in my late 20s with the original guru Tracie Martyn. Her namesake boutique is known to have a revolving door of many of the elegantly ageless Hollywood elite from Kate Winslet, Diane Lane, and Diane von Furstenberg. Her celebrity testimonial list ( look here) is endless. I have in fact seen many of these celebrities in the waiting room myself and can attest to the micorcurrent magic.

During my second appointment at Tracie Martyn I was lucky enough to sit next to DVF herself while we waited. Diane’s wrap dresses were the epitome of chic in my 20s. And when I saw how gorgeous and glowing and natural she looked standing in front of me (at that time when I saw her she was well into her late 50s and I was in my late 20s). I was mesmerized by her effortlessness and naturally lifted and glowing aura. I was told by the receptionist she gets microcurrent every week.

Well, I couldn’t commit to every week. Nevermind the money, how about the time? But ever since then I was a believer.

At this point in my life I spend more of my time upstate and I frequent my favorite microcurrent guru Maria Vera. Microcurrent is amazing but just like Botox, it needs to be done in the right hands with the right machines to get the best results.

In New York City I recommend SB Skin (who also has a Miami location) or New York City esthetician Jordana Mattioli. Essentially you want strong current in the right hands, otherwise don’t bother going. In Los Angeles I recommend Mila Morgan.

To answer a few questions about how these two wrinkle-fighters work, I talked Jordana Mattioli and Mila Morgan. I thought Jordana’s perspective as a medical aesthetician specializing in all all kinds of treatments is relevant given that she can administer both injectables and alternative treatments like microcurrent.

Meanwhile, Mila is one of the country’s top microcurrent gurus. It’s the only treatment she administers for both aesthetic and non-aesthetic issues. Mila has over 25 years of experience as a medical professional, specializing in neurotrauma and neuroanesthesia. She received a BS in health sciences, a degree with honors in Nursing, a Master’s degree in psychology—specializing in addiction medicine. Mila completed her anesthesia residency at the renowned Mayo Clinic in 1993, and was board certified in 1994. She is a former certified registered nurse anesthetist and a former Level 1 Trauma ICU RN. Needless to say, she has extensive expertise in this modality.

So, can microcurrent really replace Botox? It depends…

New York esthetician Jordana Mattioli says, “If you are diligent with microcurrent, and fine lines haven't been etched into the skin yet, I believe it can almost replace Botox! Botox will relax a muscle so it doesn't contract as much, where microcurrent can maintain muscle tone and generate controlled muscular activity.” While I absolutely love Jordana’s answer, note her emphasis on “diligent” and her note that fine lines haven’t been etched in yet.

Mila Morgan agrees that microcurrent can replace Botox, but there are caveats that are very important. These caveats include not only the technician but also on the type